Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Teri Rehkopf
A Story of Survival
In late July 2024, a wildfire near Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch called the Alexander Mountain Fire in Colorado (July 2024), forced the evacuation of about 90 horses. Among them was Hawke, a seven-year-old horse who suffered severe leg injuries after falling through a trailer floor during the evacuation. He was promptly transported to Colorado State University’s Johnson Family Equine Hospital for treatment. Hawke is a story of survival from the Colorado Alexander Mountain Fire.
Read this: Horses in Disasters Series – Real-Life Survival Stories
How Did the CSU Veterinarians Treat Hawke’s Injuries?
Upon arrival, Hawke underwent arthroscopic surgery to clean his joint wounds and address his complex injuries. Dr. Brad Nelson, an assistant professor of equine surgery at CSU, highlighted the innovative pain management strategies used during Hawke’s care. Traditional methods like oral medications, IV treatments, and epidurals were initially employed, but when Hawke continued to show signs of discomfort, a neurostimulator was added. This device delivers mild electrical pulses to stimulate nerves and alleviate pain, providing longer-lasting relief without some of the adverse effects typically associated with epidurals.
Effective pain management was crucial for Hawke’s recovery, as maintaining weight distribution across all four legs is vital for horses. Uneven weight distribution due to pain can lead to complications like laminitis, significantly impacting a horse’s health and recovery.
Read this: 8 Tips to Safely Evacuate Your Horse in a Disaster
Hawke’s treatment involved collaboration among various specialized services within the hospital. This team approach, combined with the support of fourth-year veterinary students and registered veterinary technicians, allowed for close monitoring of Hawke’s progress. Dr. Kathryn Wotman, medical director of equine and livestock clinical services, emphasized the “whole-horse approach,” focusing on both Hawke’s mental and physical well-being and adjusting treatments as necessary.
It is so sad when a horse is in pain. They can’t talk, but they do give off vibes like “I hurt, Mom.” Just look into their eyes.
My mare tended to colic. This was what finally killed her. She was 27 years old and had 3 days of ongoing colic. We tried everything. The vet was out twice (always on a weekend when it cost more!). She was too old to be a surgery patient, and that was too much to spend (for me) on a horse this old. So, I had her put down and buried in my back pasture.
Hawke’s Recovery Process
Advanced imaging technology and specialized resources at the hospital contributed significantly to Hawke’s treatment. Insights from neurosurgical translational research provided techniques not typically available in veterinary settings, enhancing the standard of care.
Read this: Horses in Disasters Series – Real-Life Survival Stories
After two months of care, Hawke moved to HeartSong Equine Rehabilitation to continue his healing journey. Nicole Linke, who manages the center, expressed enthusiasm about working with Hawke, aiming to ensure he thrives. Michael Guthrie, the horse operations foreman at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, praised the collaborative efforts of everyone involved in Hawke’s care, from the initial responders to the rehabilitation team.
Dr. Wotman believes that the integrated care model demonstrated in Hawke’s case sets a new standard for veterinary practice, mirroring holistic approaches in human hospitals. By combining advanced techniques with a dedicated support network, CSU’s Johnson Family Equine Hospital exemplifies excellence in equine veterinary care.
Hawke’s recovery journey is a testament to the remarkable capabilities of the team at the Johnson Family Equine Hospital and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of veterinary medicine. Their dedication to the health and recovery of equine patients remains strong, and they are prepared to meet the challenges of veterinary medicine head-on.
Have you had a horse that has required emergency care? What was it for? What did you do for your horse? Let me know in the comments section below. I’d love to hear your perspective, and I always reply.